Here's why a new designation could help Corpus Christi Medical Center-Bay Area save lives

Israel Pimentel, a Moody High School graduate and 15-year medic, was given the EMS of the Year —Brilliant Star of Life Award by Corpus Christi Medical Center. His kind, caring nature and ability to help others were some of the reasons he was chosen.
Alexandria Rodriguez/Caller-Times

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Little red hats will be given to newborn children in February at Corpus Christi Medical Center and other area hospitals to raise awareness for heart disease in children and adults.

A Corpus Christi hospital is vying for the chance to become a high level trauma center.

Corpus Christi Medical Center - Bay Area announced Tuesday it would pursue a Level II Trauma Center designation. The facility is a Level IV Trauma Center.

"Bay Area submitted an application to the Texas Department of State Health Services and the American College of Surgeons to initiate the voluntary process of designation and verification, which requires our commitment to providing comprehensive regional care for every aspect of injury, from prevention through rehabilitation," a news release states.

The medical center has upgraded its trauma capabilities and has started preparing for the possible designation, the release states.

Officials expect the designation process will take less than three weeks.

The designation means the facility can treat "complex cases" and initiate "definitive care" for all injured patients. The facility also will provide trauma prevention education for the community as well as training for staff and Emergency Medical Services, the release states.

"Increased availability of care includes a comprehensive quality improvement program and 24-hour immediate coverage by general surgeons, as well as coverage by specialists in orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, anesthesiology, emergency medicine, radiology and critical care," the release reads.

The designation would make the facility the second Level II Trauma Center in Corpus Christi. It would put the two trauma centers on opposite sides of the city.

Christus Spohn Hospital Shoreline, which is the city's only Level II Trauma Center, is in downtown Corpus Christi. Corpus Christi Medical Center - Bay Area is on the city's Southside.

“Delivering the highest quality care - especially in situations where seconds count - is critical to our mission to the care and improvement of human life,” Jay Woodall, CEO of Corpus Christi Medical Center, said in the news release.